Very Much Upset!

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6918, 25 May 1929, Page 8 (Supplement)

Very Much Upset!

Australian “Abo.” Monarch Loses His Kingly Insignia

THE MISSING NECK-PLATE

BROM the Aborigines encampment of Tinenburra Station, VVooroorooka, near Charleville, Queensland, there have come loud and loug lamentations for three months (says the Sydney “Guardian”). Strange rites have been practised, and deep oaths of vengeance sworn. The totem pole has been invoked by sacred ritual to yield up the brass plate which is the venerable sceptre of Maranoa Charley, King of Tiuenhurra. Today, New South Wales police are hastening to return it. Maranoa Charley is a picturesque

aboriginal, proclaimed King of Tinenhurra by tiie Mackay Brothers, who own the property, and known far and wide by his brass plate, containing

wliat might be termed the proclamation of his regal position. Walk Incog. But even a King must have his moments ol liberty. Maranoa Charley decided, last June, that he would go for a “walk-abotit." There might be times during that strange secret trek when his insignia would be in the way, or would be too much of an identification. So the aboriginal king placed it in the hands of an employee of Tinea- ] hurra store for safe keeping. The “walk-about" lasted from June, 11)28, t.o February, 1929. Early in the latter month Maranoa Charley, with his son, Hoop iron Billy, returned to Tinenburra and desired to resume his rightful position as King o£ the tribe. But of ; what use is a

• I king without his insignia? Just the j same expect a Lord Mayor to parade jin mufti on a State occasion. No one ; would recognise his authority. It was with surprise which grew to ■ j vast anger that Maranoa Charley dis- | covered that his insignia had disappeared. Incidentally, its disappear- ; ance synchronised with the departure | of one of the employees at (he store. Found in Sydney And so the story sifted through to ; the Queensland police. In an official | report they stated that. Charley was ■ "very much upset.” To New South Wales came the inquiry, and eventually the plate was discovered languishing on a shelf in tlie office of a Pitt Street dealer, who, not knowing its history, hail purchased it legally as an Interesting relic. • - ■ 1 i